Be Yourself
I want to remind you (and by that I mean “you and me both”) that you are unique.
What you bring to the world with your content, message and expertise is valuable. You don’t have to be like anyone else. You only have to be yourself.
This week has been a roller coaster of excitement and self-doubt for me. Maybe you can relate… I have a new book releasing very soon. I’m thrilled with the message. I feel as if I’m supposed to share what I’ve learned and experienced. It’s important. It’s valuable. And for the first time in a while, it’s all mine… not an assignment or a ghostwriting project.
And then I open my inbox and self-doubts creep in when I see what others are doing. Continue reading
Are You Networking?
Earning a living as a writer is about two things: writing well and connecting with the right people–your readers, editors, publishers, etc. (Some people would question whether you really need to be able to write well, but that’s another matter.)
I’ve met most of the freelancers on my go-to list through networking. Someone knew so-and-so was a writer and introduced us. Sometimes those relationships last years and add up to thousands of dollars.
Many of the writing and editing jobs I’ve taken on have also been the 
Self-Publishing is a Marathon
Self-publishing is a marathon, not a sprint.
A former editing client recently sent me an email that I want to share with you. I worked on his book last summer, and it went to press in September 2012. Since that time, Dave Burgess, the author of Teach Like a Pirate, has experienced some impressive success as a self-published author. He offers some nice kudos for my work (Thanks, Dave!), but the truth is, writing and producing a top-quality book is only the first step in the self-publishing marathon. He has continued strong and steady in the race and is now enjoying the rewards. Continue reading
Make a Difference with Your Words
One of my favorite books as a child was The Value of Believing in Yourself. It’s a story of Louis Pasteur, the scientist who is probably best known for inventing the pasteurization process for milk. This particular book is about his discovery of the cure for rabies.
The Value of Believing in Yourself offers quite a few life lessons including the importance of:
- self-talk (he constantly reminded himself that he believed in his work and in himself)
- focus (at times, the intensity of his thoughts drowned out the naysayers)
- passion for your work (he knew his work could make a difference in others’ lives) Continue reading
What to Know BEFORE You Write A Book
I need to write a book.
I want to write a book.
Someone told me I should write a book about my experiences or expertise.
A book would be a good way to market my services or leverage my knowledge.
If any of these statements sound familiar, it’s time to take the next step and decide if you’re really going to write that book. Answering the following questions may help you work through the deliberation stage. (No dice required.)
- Why do you think you need a book?
- What do you hope your book will do for you? What are your goals for your book? Do you hope to write a best-seller? Do you want a deliverable for speaking engagements–something to sell at the back of the room? Do you want a book to boost your credibility with prospects?
- List any other books that are already available on your topic.
- What information or points of view can you offer that would make your book different from those already available?
- Who is your book for? Note: It is not for “everyone.” Every book has a specific audience. Who comprises yours? Be specific.
- Are you already connected with an audience? Do you know people who will buy your book? How can you increase your audience and their loyalty to you?
- Are you willing to spend considerable amounts of time promoting your book? Unless you’re using your book as a business card, you’ll need to develop and carry out a smart marketing plan.
Before you commit to the process of writing a book, you’ll want to know your reason, your points of differentiation and your audience. Getting clear about these three things will bring focus and help reduce frustration as you write. Also, realize that writing is only part of the process. Marketing is essential if you want to sell more than a handful of books.
Are you ready to write a book? The 8 Weeks to Authorship program will help you develop and stick to a doable writing plan.
What’s Getting In Your Way?
I met a remarkable woman this morning… someone who is seeking (and finding) answers in the midst of incredibly trying circumstances.
In the past few years she’s dealt with:
- major financial losses
- a near-death experience
- chronic illness
- a sick parent… and life.
Through it all, she has paid attention to the lessons God is presenting to her. I know that as she shares her story through blogs, books and speaking, others will be introduced to a new kind of Hope that will change their lives.
You, too, have a story to share. Your story could change lives, inspire hope and help others thrive and grow.
Don’t let life get in the way of telling your story. I know from personal experience that “finding time” to write can be a huge challenge… but it’s worth it.
Want a plan to help you stay on track with your book? Check out my 8 Weeks to Authorship program.
Self-Publishing Success Story
Need a dose of inspiration? This quick video about self-published children’s author Dallas Clayton shows how ideas put into action–and print–can change not only your life, but others’ lives as well!
What are you waiting for? Make your dreams of becoming a published author a reality. The first step: Start writing.
Make a Difference with Your Words
One of my favorite books as a child was The Value of Believing in Yourself. It’s a story of Louis Pasteur, the scientist who is probably best known for inventing the pasteurization process for milk. This particular book is about his discovery of the cure for rabies.
The Value of Believing in Yourself offers quite a few life lessons including the importance of:
- self-talk (he constantly reminded himself that he believed in his work and in himself)
- focus (at times, the intensity of his thoughts drowned out the naysayers)
- passion for your work (he knew his work could make a difference in others’ lives) Continue reading
Deadlines and Delusions
“I love deadlines. I love the whooshing noise they make as they go by.” ― Douglas Adams, The Salmon of Doubt
A few years ago, I read a comment from a retiring magazine editor who said she had been on a deadline for four decades. In the midst of my own personal deadline crisis, my heart raced at the thought. My mind screamed: I don’t want to be on a deadline for the rest of my life!
For months, I wracked my brain trying to think of ways to write without deadlines. After all, I reasoned, I’m much too free spirited. Life is busy. Surely, writing will be effortless if I just work at my own pace.
I was delusional. Continue reading
29 Ways to Stay Creative
Enjoy this quick video and be inspired to act on one of these
creativity-boosting ideas today.
Happy writing!
29 WAYS TO STAY CREATIVE from TO-FU on Vimeo.